The Abbasid Caliphate I

1. Explain the background to the emergence of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate.
2. Describe the history of the founding fathers, their administrative policies, achievements, and weaknesses.
3. Appraise the golden era of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate as well as its era of decline and eventual downfall.
4. Discuss the factors that led to the rise of petty dynasties in the western and eastern parts of the empire.
5. Identify the factors that led to the collapse of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate.
6. Analyze the impact of the 'Abbāsid Caliphate on Islamic civilization.

13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

   • Unit 1: Background to the Emergence of the 'Abbasid Caliphate · 2 hours

     Read Unit 1: Background to the Emergence of the 'Abbasid Caliphate. Understand the origins of the 'Abbasid family and their claim to the Caliphate. Analyze the factors that contributed to the 'Abbasid propaganda efforts.

2. Week 2Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

   • Unit 2: The Rebellion and the Areas Covered By the Emerging 'Abbāsid Empire · 2 hours

     Study Unit 2: The Rebellion and the Areas Covered By the Emerging 'Abbāsid Empire. Examine the key events and strategies of the 'Abbasid rebellion against the Umayyads. Identify the geographical boundaries of the expanding 'Abbasid Empire.

3. Week 3Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

   • Unit 3: The Rise of Abūl-'Abbās as-Saffah to Power and the Roles of the Barmecides · 2 hours

     Read Unit 3: The Rise of Abūl-'Abbās as-Saffah to Power and the Roles of the Barmecides. Understand the rise of the first 'Abbasid Caliph and his policies. Analyze the influence and contributions of the Barmecide family.

4. Week 4Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

   • Unit 4: Abū-Ja'far Al-Mansūr: Ascension, Achievements and Weaknesses · 2 hours

     Study Unit 4: Abū-Ja'far Al-Mansūr: Ascension, Achievements and Weaknesses. Examine the reign of the second 'Abbasid Caliph and his major accomplishments. Assess the strengths and weaknesses of al-Mansur's leadership.

5. Week 5Module 1: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (1)

   • Unit 5: Al-Mahdi and Al-Hadi in the History of the Abbasid Caliphate · 2 hours

     Read Unit 5: Al-Mahdi and Al-Hādī in the History of the Abbasid Caliphate. Understand the reigns and policies of Caliphs al-Mahdi and al-Hadi. Analyze their contributions to the 'Abbasid Caliphate.

6. Week 6Module 2: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (2)

   • Unit 1: Hārūn Al-Rashīd · 2 hours

     Study Unit 1: Hārūn Al-Rashīd. Explore the reign of Harun al-Rashid and his impact on the 'Abbasid Caliphate. Analyze his policies and achievements.

7. Week 7Module 2: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (2)

   • Unit 2: Al-Amīn and al-Ma'mūn the Great · 2 hours

     Read Unit 2: Al-Amīn and al-Ma'mūn the Great. Understand the conflict between al-Amin and al-Ma'mun. Analyze the significance of al-Ma'mun's reign.

8. Week 8Module 2: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (2)

   • Unit 3: Caliph al-Ma'mūn in Baghdad · 2 hours

     Study Unit 3: Caliph al-Ma'mūn in Baghdad. Explore al-Ma'mun's policies and achievements after moving to Baghdad. Analyze the cultural and intellectual developments during his reign.

9. Week 9Module 2: 'Abbāsid Caliphate: The Early Period (2)

   • Unit 4: al-Mu'tasim, and al-Wathīq in the History of the Caliphate · 2 hours

     Read Unit 4: al-Mu'tasim, and al-Wathīq in the History of the Caliphate. Understand the reigns of al-Mu'tasim and al-Wathiq. Analyze their policies and impact on the 'Abbasid Caliphate.

10. Week 10Module 3 The Decline and Fall Of 'Abbāsid Caliphate

    • Unit 1: Caliphs at Samarra: Al-Mutawakkil and His Successors · 2 hours

      Study Unit 1: Caliphs at Samarra: Al-Mutawakkil and His Successors. Examine the reigns of the Caliphs at Samarra and their impact on the Caliphate. Analyze the factors that contributed to the decline of the 'Abbasid Caliphate.

11. Week 11Module 3 The Decline and Fall Of 'Abbāsid Caliphate

    • Unit 2: Petty Dynasties in the West · 2 hours

      Read Unit 2: Petty Dynasties in the West. Understand the rise of petty dynasties in the western part of the 'Abbasid Empire. Analyze their impact on the central authority.

12. Week 12Module 3 The Decline and Fall Of 'Abbāsid Caliphate

    • Unit 3: Petty Dynasties in the East · 2 hours

      Study Unit 3: Petty Dynasties in the East. Explore the rise of petty dynasties in the eastern part of the 'Abbasid Empire. Analyze their impact on the central authority.

13. Week 13Module 3 The Decline and Fall Of 'Abbāsid Caliphate

    • Unit 4: The Seljuk Turks and The Assassins · 2 hours

      Read Unit 4: The Seljuk Turks and The Assassins. Understand the roles of the Seljuk Turks and the Assassins in the decline of the 'Abbasid Caliphate. Analyze their impact on the political landscape.